Cinderella’s Royal Table: Things You Must Know To Plan This Sensational Dining Experience in 2022
When you enter Walt Disney World, you’ll find yourself stepping back in time to a by-gone era on Main Street U.S.A, where nostalgic candy shops and nickel-and-dime stores are nestled together, brought back to life with a little Disney magic. As you meander down the street of quaint storefronts, something suddenly appears on the horizon. It’s one of the most iconic structures in Fantasyland – Cinderella’s Castle!
A fairytale turned into reality, Cinderella’s Castle serves as the icon for Walt Disney World and the center of the entire Magic Kingdom. The blue spires with gold accents stretch towards the sky, with a new, 50th Anniversary pink brick façade that stands, proudly Earidescent, as one of the tallest structures in Walt Disney World. This magnificent castle is not only one of the most sought-after photo spots in all the park, but it’s also home to the most memorable dining experiences you can have at Disney – Cinderella’s Royal Table!
Pull up a chair and be our guest (oops, wrong princess) and let us tell you everything you need to know about the most magical experience that you, and your kids, will never forget: eating inside the Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table!
What is Cinderella’s Royal Table?
It’s not every day that you get to eat inside a castle, but leave it to Disney to bring that fairytale to life! Cinderella’s Royal Table is a unique opportunity for those with a reservation to enter the famous castle and have a delicious meal in Cinderella’s breathtakingly beautiful castle, complete with a few magical touches. One magical moment is having your own private audience with the princess herself. That’s part of what makes this dining experience the most regal and memorable one available in the Magic Kingdom.
However, the magic doesn’t stop there! After you’re greeted by Cinderella in the Grand Hall and taken plenty of fabulous pictures together, you will be whisked away upstairs to the grand dining room, where Cinderella’s other princess friends will be floating about the room. Cinderella’s Royal Table is a time to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and have a wait-free opportunity to meet some of the most beloved ladies in Walt Disney World.
Where is Cinderella’s Royal Table?
Cinderella’s Royal Table experience is located inside the magical castle right in the center of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. As you enter the park through the main gates, continue through Main Street, U.S.A., and you will see the castle in all her glory. While it’s tempting to try to walk to the castle’s front door, you’ll actually find the entrance to the Royal Table tucked away in the back. Take a stroll around Cinderella’s home, and you’ll see the wooden sign hanging in the corridor for “Cinderella’s Royal Table.”
What to Expect During Cinderella’s Royal Table Dining Experience?
When you book your reservation for the Royal Table, you will be given a specific dining time. Give yourself a little extra time as you head over to the castle and check-in for your party. You may have to wait a few minutes until the princess is ready to formally greet you, so soak up the grandeur and beauty of the castle. Take in the detailed stone archways that loom at cathedral heights above your head, the wrought-iron candelabras that hang gloriously from the wooden beams, and the regal draperies that cascade from the ceiling.
Once Cinderella is ready to welcome you into her home, you will be invited into the Grand Hall where she greets you in royal fashion. This is truly one of the highlights of the entire experience: a no-waiting-in-line opportunity to have a private moment with Cinderella herself! It’s not often you get to have a private moment like this, so take advantage of all the young (and young at heart) royals out there and get the autographs, take all the pictures, and practice your very best curtsey.
After saying farewell to the princess, you will ascend a spiral staircase to the grand banquet hall. There, you’ll dine in a storybook-come-to-life backdrop. Sitting in an oversized, overstuffed upholstered chair, take a moment to soak in the ambiance of the room; towering stone archways stand boldly above your head, coat of arms hand proudly on the walls, medieval flags are draped in the dome, chandeliers glimmer enchantingly above, and all the romantic stained glass windows look out over the kingdom. It’s a magnificently magical atmosphere. It’s so magical that you may chance to meet Cinderella’s fairy godmother herself, as this is the only spot where she will appear in Walt Disney World!
While marveling at the beauty that surrounds you, your friendly waiter or waitress will greet you and explain the menu selections. You will also be greeted by several of Cinderella’s closest friends like Snow White, Belle, Aurora, and Jasmine throughout the rest of your meal. While not all princesses can make it to each meal, they rotate throughout all three meals served at the Royal Table.
Oh, and a little secret – if your young princess wants to feel truly magical, stop by or make an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World to receive a brilliant princess transformation, complete with a princess hairstyle, manicure, tiara, and wand!
(Note that COVID restrictions can affect character dining, so be sure to check Walt Disney World’s website for the latest on availability or precautions for Cinderella’s Royal Table!)
What to Eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table?
Cinderella’s Royal Table can be booked for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Breakfast offers a platter of pastries along with your choice of “Entrees Royale,” like the mouth-watering caramel apple-stuffed French toast. Yum!
Both lunch and dinner consist of a three-course prix fixe menu that allows you to choose what you’d like to enjoy. You’ll start off with an “Appetizer of the Courts” where you can choose from scrumptious starters such as soup, salad, or a charcuterie board. Next, you’ll select your “Entrees Royale,” which is really difficult because they all sound fabulous! From hearty meat dishes like grilled beef tenderloin to vegetarian options like chickpea panisse, Cinderella’s Royal Table has something to offer everyone!
Lastly, you’ll choose one of the decadent “Finales,” such as the Clock Strikes Twelve dessert. Not only is this a divine dark chocolate mousse, but it’s also adorned with an adorable chocolate clock, which makes a poignant end to the meal.
Getting a Reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table
Ahh, the tricky part. If you’ve had multiple trips to Disney in previous years, you know that planning your dining is an absolute must if you want to enjoy a particular spot during your vacay. Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the most coveted reservations you can snag for your Walt Disney World adventure. If booking a reservation here is at the top of your list, here are a few suggestions and tips for scoring a spot:
- You can book your reservation online or with the MyDisneyExperience app starting at 6:00 a.m. (EST) or by calling 800-800-9800 at 7 a.m. (EST), starting 60 days before the date you’re trying to book.
- Reservations sell out within minutes for each day you’re trying to book, so be online or in the app refreshing your page regularly and be ready to book instantly. If you wait a few minutes, it will probably get scooped up.
- You can book a reservation for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so be open to another meal than your original plan.
- Full prepayment is required in advance for Cinderella’s Royal Table, so have your card information handy.
Being able to meet Cinderella in her own castle and then partake in an enchanting meal is truly a remarkable experience that you and your family will never forget. Little princesses and big kids alike will be transported into a fairytale that will definitely be the topic of fond family memories for years to come.
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Photo: Anna Fox via Flickr
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